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Charred Wood Construction with Transparent Elements in a Forest Retreat

Author:
Linnea Fällman
Charred Wood Construction with Transparent Elements in a Forest Retreat

Project in-detail

Utilizing charred wood and transparent elements, the cabin seamlessly integrates into its forested surroundings, providing a retreat focused on solitude and ecological sustainability.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed using locally sourced materials to minimize environmental impact.
02
Features innovative joinery techniques that eliminate the need for synthetic fasteners.
03
Integrates reflective surfaces to enhance natural light while maintaining privacy.
04
Designed with a minimal footprint to promote a stronger connection to the surrounding landscape.
05
Employs traditional wood charring methods for increased durability and aesthetics.

## Project Overview
The architectural design is situated within a forested environment, addressing the need for an escape from urban settings. The cabin, aptly named “GET OUT,” provides a retreat that emphasizes a deep connection with nature while adopting a minimalist approach. The design invites users to disengage from the complexities of modern life and rejuvenate in a tranquil setting.

## Spatial Strategy
The spatial configuration of the cabin prioritizes functionality and simplicity. Architectural drawings reveal a compact structure featuring a sloped roof that enhances openness and effective water drainage. The design intentionally minimizes the environmental footprint with carefully chosen components, blending architectural integrity with ecological considerations. The cabin serves as both shelter and a transient space that supports immersive experiences with the outdoors, offering just enough room for personal belongings while encouraging a freer engagement with the surrounding natural environment.

## Materiality and Construction
The choice of materials plays a crucial role in the cabin's function and sustainability. Primarily constructed from locally sourced wood, the cabin emphasizes warmth and connection to its environment, promoting ecological responsibility. Windows are created using plexiglass, maximizing light and visibility while maintaining a lightweight structure. Notably, traditional joinery techniques are utilized to eliminate the need for synthetic fasteners, and the foundation employs shou-sugi-ban, a method that enhances wood durability without harmful treatments. The construction methodology entails basic tools, encouraging individual craftsmanship and potential community involvement, reinforcing the project’s emphasis on sustainability and interaction with the local ecosystem.

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MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

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Competition organisers

The MICROHOME 10 competition invites participants to submit visionary designs for off-grid, modular microhomes that push the limits of sustainable, small-scale living. Organised by Buildner in partnership with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this tenth edition sets the challenge of designing a dwelling for two people within a maximum floor area of 25 m², encouraging bold solutions adaptable to any urban or rural location. The competition continues Buildner’s mission to foster innovative approaches to compact, energy-efficient housing that can address pressing global challenges.

This year’s edition offers a generous total prize fund of €100,000, including the Kingspan Award for designs that integrate high-performance Kingspan products and the Hapi Homes Award for a project selected for real-world construction. In addition to cash prizes, the winners gain international exposure through Buildner’s media partnerships, publications, and a dedicated MICROHOME magazine, further amplifying their ideas to the wider architectural community.

Key dates for MICROHOME 10 include the closing date for registration on 25 September 2025, the submission deadline on 29 October 2025 (11:59 p.m. London time), and the announcement of winners on 9 December 2025. These milestones ensure participants have clear timelines to develop and present their concepts, with early registration discounts available to support students and emerging designers worldwide.

MICROHOME

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 € + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 25 September 2025

Enter an open architecture
competition now

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